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What did she hear? How do I explain this to her? Why is she near this predator? I need to protect her from Richard.
I should have wrapped up the conversation with Richard quickly. But no, I preferred to argue endlessly with him.
A few minutes ago, when I’d gone to buy some food, he’d cornered me before I even got to the food vendors.
As usual, he wore a crisp suit that screamed power and wealth. It was tailored to perfection too. Those eyes that seemed to measure your worth in a single glance sized me up with an air of superiority Richard carried around like a cloak.
“Hello, Max,” he said in his deceptively subtle manner.
I wasn’t deceived.
Not wanting to waste time, I revealed my intentions to him.
“I’m no longer interested in buying Harrington Ranch,” I said.
He frowned, his gaze becoming calculating.
“Max, what’s this sudden change of heart?” he asked, his tone as sharp and precise as a knife. “Both of us have always had one thing in common, wanting that piece of land. Besides, we had a deal. You can’t back down now.”
My chest tightened at his words. They were proof that I’d been trying to betray Anna for that long.
“Well, things have changed.”
A sneer twisted his lips. His eyes narrowed and he spat out,
“Changed? Or is there something else at play here?”
I breathed in deeply, trying my best to speak in a calm voice.
“I won’t be a part of whatever deal you think we have any longer.”
“You’re double-crossing me.”
I tried to maintain my composure.
“I’m done with this game. I won’t put Harrington Ranch towards ruin or try to manipulate Anna. That’s not who I am, plus it’s not right.”
His laughter was cold and devoid of humor.
“So, the tough cowboy has gone soft. Because of a woman, you’re suddenly pretending to be a saint.”
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper.
“But remember, Max, you owe me. Back out now, and I’ll make sure you lose everything. Your reputation, your ranch… everything.”
The threat hung heavily in the air. I felt a chill despite the warm night.
I doubted that Richard could ruin me. Not when I’ve lived in Marfa all my life and he traveled in and out to secure his investments. But he could cause serious damage to the ranch I’d worked so hard to build.
Yet, I couldn’t stand the thought of Anna getting hurt. So, I stood my ground.
This time around, I lifted my chin and looked down at him.
“You have till the end of this week to give me a report on Harrington Ranch or else…” He let the pause elongate before he continued speaking. “I want to know how deep in debt it is. It’s time to show where your heart truly lies, Max.”
I scoffed.
“There won't be any report, Richard. I’m not going to sabotage Anna’s ranch.”
